To play this version of the traditional duck-duck-goose game, the teacher prepares one index card for each child in the class. She prints a bold "Dd" on each card. On one card, she also draws a picture of a duck. Children sit in a circle, facing inward. The teacher circles around behind the children, sticking an index card to each child's back. The child who receives the card with the picture becomes the duck. The duck walks around the outside of the circle tapping each child on the head and saying, "D", "D", "D". When the duck feels ready, he taps a child on the head and says, "DUCK". The new duck chases the old duck around the circle and tries to catch him before he sits down in the circle. The teacher collects the cards, redistributes them and the game continues until everyone has had a chance to be the duck.
To prepare for a treasure hunt, the teacher draws simple pictures of items in the classroom that begin with the letter "D," such as desk, drawer, door, dollhouse, dishes and dress-up clothes. She selects one picture to serve as the first clue and asks one child to begin the treasure hunt by finding the item it represents. When the child locates the item that corresponds with her picture, she finds a large envelope with a large "Dd" and discovers the next picture clue inside the envelope. The child chooses a classmate to locate the next envelope and clue. The hunt continues until the class discovers the treasure, which can be a yummy treat that begins with the letter "D," such as a box of doughnuts.
To play this game, the teacher hides small toys and household items in a sand table or large tub of sand. Many of the items begin with the letter "D," such as plastic dinosaurs, dominoes, dice and dimes. She also prepares a small box clearly marked with the letter "Dd." Children take turns sifting through the sand, pulling up items that begin with the letter "D" and placing them in the box.
To play "What's Missing?," the teacher labels a small paper bag with a bold "Dd" and gathers several small items that begin with the letter "D." She sets the items out on a large tray and asks the children to memorize what is on the tray. After several moments, she instructs the children to close their eyes, she removes one item from the tray and places the item in the paper bag. The children uncover their eyes and try to remember "What's Missing?" When a child guesses correctly, he pulls it from the bag and returns it to the tray. The teacher removes a different item each time she repeats the game.